Last month I wrote a post about real estate closing gifts. One of my real estate virtual assistant clients, Clayton Gits, had asked for suggestions so I went to my LinkedIn network for ideas. Below are responses that have come in since the original post.

All of my clients have become more than clients. Some a little more than others. I do like to tune into what they are like and about and find an appropriate gift. I don’t take my CPA, attorney, insurance agent, dentist, Dr. or my stockbroker to dinner. But they don’t know me like I know my clients. I do stay in touch. Les Hackmeister

If the buyers are from out of town I’ll buy them a subscription to the local newspaper or regional magazine. It helps them to get acquainted with their new surroundings and they’re reminded of me every time they read it and see our ads. Nancy McBride

I’m with Rick, I do not normally do a closing gift. I typically work with sellers and on the occasion I felt it appropriate I bought my customer champagne to celebrate (I knew they would appreciate). I heard of a great closing gift and I will use one day; a pre-inked stamp with new address on it. I thought that was very clever and did not cost a lot.  Kari A. Battaglia

I work with buyers, usually relocating from afar. My closing gift is often a beautiful large basket filled with necessary stuff like toilet paper, tissues, cloth tea towels, liquid soap, a sponge, and a few snacks, like cheese and crackers, nuts, sparkling soda and chocolates. These are practical and greatly appreciated on move-in day or at their house when they arrive. The basket and (southwest motif) tea towels hang around. As special thank you’s, with much longer “shelf life,” I have given beautiful pieces of Nambé for their new home, made in New Mexico. How cheap it is to receive a $30,000 commission and not give a real gift?! Bad form, I’d say.

I disagree with Rick and others who think this cheapens our professionalism. I am all for doctors, lawyers and others giving thoughtful thank-yous, especially for referrals, which are the life blood of all business. I am amazed that many times I’ve referred a patient or client and never received so much as a thank you note. That’s not good business. Aysha Griffin

I always give a gift and it differs from each one. Now, my sister-in-law use to make dinner for each of her buyers. Now, I think she takes them out to dinner. Rebecca Gaujot

For a few sellers, I have taken the photos of the listing and made a keepsake book. I used www.mypublisher.com, but there are several others. This works especially well for sellers that have worked hard to re-hab a house and are now moving up by choice. Brian Hall

I do not give closing gifts to buyers but do give a drawing or oil of their house if I represent the seller . Michelle Drum

My favorite buyer gift is a welcome mat and flowers. Whenever possible I arrive at the walk-thru before them and set the mat and large flowering plant (Costco or Sam’s) on the front doorstep. I have personalized note cards with my logo on the front and on the inside I simply write “Welcome Home!”  Dawna Watson